What's it like to be stuck in a never-ending existential crises?
Being stuck in a never-ending existential crisis can be a profoundly challenging and debilitating experience, characterized by several key aspects:
Emotional Turmoil
Individuals experiencing an existential crisis often grapple with intense emotional pain, including feelings of anxiety, despair, helplessness, guilt, and loneliness. These emotions can be overwhelming and may lead to a state of emotional vulnerability, where the person feels a lack of control over their emotions and life in general123.
Loss of Meaning and Purpose
A central theme of an existential crisis is the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. This can manifest as a persistent sense of unease about the fundamental nature of one's life, leading to questions such as "What is the point of my life?" or "Is there any inherent meaning to my existence?" This questioning can result in a feeling of meaninglessness and a lack of direction123.
Cognitive Distress
The cognitive components of an existential crisis include the problem of meaninglessness, the loss of personal values, and a preoccupation with death. Individuals may find themselves constantly questioning the significance of their actions and the world at large, leading to a state of cognitive dissonance and confusion. This can also involve a fear of death and the realization that one's time is limited, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and urgency13.
Behavioral Impacts
Existential crises can significantly affect an individual's behavior, leading to decreased motivation, a disconnection from previously enjoyed activities, and a decline in social interactions. People may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism or exhibit anti-social and compulsive behaviors. In severe cases, this can result in aimlessness, apathy, and prolonged periods of inactivity, such as staying in bed all day13.
Impact on Daily Life
The crisis can disrupt one's normal functioning in everyday life, affecting relationships, job satisfaction, and overall productivity. It can lead to bad relationships, a high divorce rate, and decreased productivity, highlighting the broader social implications of an existential crisis1.
Feelings of Powerlessness and Disconnection
Individuals may feel a deep sense of powerlessness and disconnection from their community and the world around them. This can be exacerbated by significant life events such as death, divorce, job loss, or global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The feeling of being unable to control one's future or the events unfolding in the world can intensify the crisis2.
Mental Health Consequences
Existential crises are often associated with negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidality. The constant worry and rumination on the meaninglessness of life can have a damaging effect on mental health if not addressed properly123.
In summary, being stuck in a never-ending existential crisis is a deeply distressing experience marked by emotional turmoil, cognitive distress, behavioral changes, and significant impacts on daily life and mental health. It requires a profound reevaluation of one's values, purpose, and existence, and often necessitates seeking support from therapy, self-reflection, or other coping mechanisms.